Protecting the right to keep and bear arms

The right to keep and bear arms is a sacred right to Texans. Naturally, Texans were shocked when police in a neighboring state, Louisiana, confiscated the firearms of lawful citizens during an emergency, and never returned them.

That’s why Representative Frank J. Corte, Jr. (R-San Antonio), filed and the House passed legislation banning local authorities from permanently confiscating citizens’ lawful firearms during an emergency.

Natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, create unique circumstances, and police in extreme cases may need to resort to otherwise excessive measures, such as martial law. However, Corte argued, such measures should only be temporary and should be ended once the immediate danger has passed. When it has, citizens should be allowed to regain their weapons, provided there is no evidence they intend to use them for criminal purposes.

“Constitutional rights should still be protected in times of disaster,” Corte said. “No temporary expediency of law enforcement justifies the permanent removal of a citizen’s constitutional rights to keep and bear arms.”